St. Croix River Crossing: Groundbreaking, Roadwork Begins, No-Wake Zone in Place

The official “groundbreaking” for the St. Croix River Crossing Project is today (Tuesday, May 28) at Lowell Park.

The event—from 2:30-3:30 p.m.—is open to the public and will feature remarks from elected officials, along with a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced he will attend the event.

In Stillwater, it’s St. Croix Crossing Celebration Week.

Mayor Ken Harycki signed a proclamation last week asking “citizens to celebrate our long journey and the new St. Croix Crossing."

• Click here to read the proclamation
• Click here to view the St. Croix Crossing webcam
• Click here to view MnDOT’s project timeline
• Latest bidding and contracting info

This new four-lane roadway will connect the St. Croix River Crossing with WIS 64.

Next Open House:

• June 4 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Houlton Elementary School

Project Overview

This three-mile project completes the WIS 64 majors project that was built in the early 2000s. The four-lane expressway from New Richmond to Houlton will now tie-in to the new St. Croix Crossing.

The project will include:

• WIS 35 overpass, located near the main bridge
• WIS 35/County E interchange
• Pedestrian and bike path
• Two roundabout located at the ramp terminals

Schedule

• August 2013 – First real estate parcels acquired for WisDOT approach project construction
• September 2013 – Bids received for the second St. Croix River Bridge contract
• December 2013 – Bids received for the first WisDOT approach contract
• April 2014 – Work begins on Wisconsin approach (WIS 64)

Looking ahead

• Additional relocation of endangered flowers.
• Real estate acquisition will continue.
• Developing concepts and plans for the Wisconsin section of the bicycle/pedestrian loop trail.
• Relocating endangered mussels, on the Wisconsin shore, out of the project area.

The St. Croix River channel has become narrower as bridge work continues through 2016.

A 300-foot channel will be available at all times though the location of the channel may shift depending on work.

• Click here to view the river channel flyer
• No-wake zone on St. Croix River

A “no wake zone” will be in place for the safety of workers and stability of equipment, according to MnDOT. Boaters are asked to slow down and be mindful of these areas.

Roadwork will begin this week on Highway 36 from Highway 120 in North St. Paul through Lake Elmo to just east of Washington Avenue in Oak Park Heights.

Construction along this 8-mile stretch of Highway 36 begins May 29, weather permitting. The roadwork includes minor grading and resurfacing on the road, revising signal timings and adding traffic-management signs, according to MnDOT.

• Lane closures/traffic impacts on Hwy 36 in Maplewood
• Lane closures/traffic impacts on Hwy 36 at I-694 in Lake Elmo
• Click here for updates on the Hilton Trail Project

During construction, motorists will encounter non-rush hour lane restrictions on Highway 36.

The project is expected to be complete in late-August.

• RELATED: Oak Park Heights: Suddenly closed road may soon be replaced (Pioneer Press)
• New St. Croix River Bridge a learning opportunity for students (Pioneer Press)
• Bridge on track, under budget (Stillwater Gazette)
• Road rage: MnDOT cuts off Oak Park Heights residents (Star Tribune)
• St. Croix River Crossing Topics Page

May 28: Both directions of the Gateway State Trail tunnel beneath Hwy 36 in Pine Springs will close intermittingly at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28. Trail-users can expect to encounter flagging operators and up to a 30-minute delay in the workzone.

June 1-2: Both lanes of eastbound Hwy 36 between I-694 and Viking Drive will close at 6 a.m. Saturday, June 1 as crews install new drainage pipe at Viking Pond. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour on Hwy 5. The lanes are expected to re-open by 10 p.m. Sunday, June 2, weather permitting.